RSPCA Victoria and igroomhub are excited to present some tutorials on how to trim your dog’s nails. Did you know there are 25 doggy bones from the wrist to the toe? If nails are left long, it can increase pressure on your dog’s feet, legs and shoulders. Nails need to be trimmed regularly to avoid discomfort. It’s wonderful you are taking this first step and learning how to take care of your dog’s nails!

Nail Clipping

Nails are clipped and/or ground and buffed with a ‘Dremel’ type tool. Black nails can be tricky to cut. Take small sections at a time and look for a black spot around the white calcium, this spot indicates the start of the blood and nerve supply. If you do ‘quick’ a nail, apply pressure or use a styptic powder or quick stop powder to stop the bleed. Nails that are not clipped may pose hazards to dogs and humans. Long claws will damage furniture and carpets; long nails cause painful welts on human skin.

Clipping nails can cause some anxiety in both the groomer and the dog. A steady confident hand is needed for a trauma-free experience. Failure to keep nails short can make walking difficult for the dog. In-grown nails from a dew claw (located above the four nails on the inside leg) can become infected causing pain.

If your dog is not used to having its nails clipped it is best to have a second person who can hold the dog still while you clip their nails. You may also need to go slowly to allow the dog to get used to the process. The second person could also be feeding the dog some treats while their nails are clipped – some dogs will love the distraction and focus on the treats, which will allow the person trimming the nails some time to get them finished. Tay and Mel show you a good way to get started below.

NAIL CLIPPING IN DETAIL

• Gently lift the leg to examine the nail. If the nail is clear, you will be able to see the start of the blood and nerve supply. Trim the nail a millimetre or two from this point.

• Hold the dog’s paw still in one hand and insert the end of the toenail into the hole on the guillotine style trimmer, then close down quickly. Open nail clippers are used in the same manner.

• Be careful not to cut below the quick; the pinky looking protrusion seen in light-coloured nails. The quick contains blood vessels and nerves and is very sensitive, like the cuticle on a human nail.

• Cut at a 90-degree angle so that the nail will be parallel to the surface of the floor.

• If bleeding occurs, apply some Styptic Powder to the nail.

• If the nail continues to bleed be patient, apply more pressure and wait until bleeding stops. This will congeal the blood flow.

BLACK NAILS

• Take off small sections at a time.

• Look closely at the nail for a black dot; this will indicate that blood supply is close to thesurface. Stop clipping when you reach this point.

• Check for front and back dew claws. These nails do not wear down like the other nails and need regular attention.

• Be firm and confident when doing nails. Remain calm as the dog may sense any unease on your behalf and react fearfully.